The story of love and passion between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal has always been the source of wonder amongst the tourists who not only cherish it but also see it as yet another example of how love can surpass any boundary and challenges set in front of it. The inception of Taj Mahal is also one of these stories in the sands of time.

(Taj Mahal)

The magnificent white marble beauty, UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World – The Taj Mahal is one monument with rich history and heritage. As we delve deep into the grand monument of the Taj Mahal, you would realize the Taj is not just what pleases the eye, but is so much more than that.

(Painting of Taj Mahal Construction)

The construction of the marble mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal started in 1632, commissioned by Shah Jahan, her husband and the then emperor of the Mughal Empire. The construction took 20 years to complete in 1653 with a complex sprawling to the length and breadth of 42 acres. The monument was the most ambitious project of Shah Jahan and is said to have consumed a huge sum of almost 52.8 billion rupees (US$827 million) with approximately 20,000 artisans involved in its construction. Apart from the manpower which was mobilized during the construction of Taj Mahal, 1000 elephants were also used to complete the Symbol of Love.

(View of Taj Mahal from Agra Fort)

After the completion of Taj Mahal the emperor Shah Jahan was dethroned by his own son Aurangzeb and was under house arrest in Agra fort. Legend has it that the emperor used to look at the monument from the Agra Fort at the Taj Mahal remembering his wife Mumtaz.

(Lapis-Lazuli Precious Stone)

The Taj Mahal since the medieval times has been restored and taken care of many times. In the end of 19th century, Lord Curzon took the initiative of restoration of Taj Mahal which got completed in 1908. The mausoleum was heavily imploded during the rebellion of 1857 by the British officials. Thus the restoration was necessary as precious stones such as lapis lazuli were chiseled out.
The Gardens of Taj Mahal which we see today have been revamped in British style was also taken out in the 19th cent. under Lord Curzon. Shah Jahan is considered to have a passionate knack for jewelry and architecture which is clearly see in the embellishments of Taj Mahal.

(Crowd At Taj Mahal)

Declared as the winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007 the Taj Mahal attracts almost 7-8 million visitors every year. The Taj Mahal now stand s as the proof of how much Shah Jahan had loved his wife throughout his life, even after the death of Mumtaz Mahal.